Drew Brees Files Affidavit In Support Of Jonathan Vilma

Drew Brees is continuing his I-didn’t-know-there-was-a-bounty-program act and has filed an affidavit Saturday in Louisiana District Court in support of suspended teammate Jonathan Vilma’s defamation suit against NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

The affidavit was entered in New Orleans federal court as evidence for Vilma’s motion to dismiss the year-long suspension that was handed down after his alleged involvement in the bounty program.

“Having been in the NFL for 11 years, I have come to the understanding that great teammates make teams great,” Brees wrote. “I believe that my teammates with the New Orleans Saints, through leadership by individuals including Jonathan, have a good understanding of our responsibilities to our organization, team, teammates, the City of New Orleans and the State of Louisiana.

“In my four years as a teammate with Jonathan, I have not seen anyone conduct himself with a higher degree of professionalism, work ethic, responsibility, and genuine care for his teammates.”

Brees’ affidavit also took aim at the NFL’s investigation and sanctions against the Saints in the bounty matter.

Brees’ affidavit also took aim at the NFL’s investigation and sanctions against the Saints in the bounty matter.

Vilma’s punishment was the harshest levied on any player involved, due in part to an alleged $10,000 bounty he offered to knock Brett Favre out of the 2009 NFC Championship Game. Brees’ claim is in the affidavit, and has been, that he has no reason to believe that allegation is true

“My understanding is that Mr. Goodell has accused members of our defense, including Jonathan, of engaging in a pay-to-injury program that involved offering financial incentives to teammates to intentionally injure opposing players,” Brees wrote. “I have no knowledge of a pay-to-injury program existing, and have yet to personally see any evidence that would substantiate these allegations. In my four years as a teammate with Jonathan, I have found that he is a man of integrity who passionately plays the game of football within the framework of the rules and has respect for his opponents.”

I understand Brees wants to support his teammate and save face, but there is no way he didn’t know what was going on, in my opinion. Plus, Greg Williams has admitted there was a bounty program, so how can you continue to say there wasn’t one?